Notes from the life of a [data] scientist

On the passing of Hans Rosling

It would be remiss not to mention briefly the passing of Hans Rosling. Data needs storytellers and the world needs advocates for evidence-based decision making. We have lost one of the best.

For some insights into the man and his interesting (and at times challenging) life, I highly recommend this news feature. You can enjoy presentations at the Gapminder website: I’d start with the documentary The Joy of Stats.

Perhaps I should not be surprised or annoyed – but I am – at the lack of coverage this story received at news outlets, particularly in Australia. Aside from an obituary at Guardian Australia (not on the front page), I don’t believe the news featured at all in any other major Australian news publisher. Perhaps not unrelated, stories like this feature quite frequently.